To celebrate our 40th year, Eyecare Business reached out to our board members and past #EBGameChangers for their thoughts on how eyewear and eye care have changed since our launch in 1986. Here are reflections from EB editorial advisory board member, Diana Canto-Sims, OD, founder of Buena Vista Optical in Chicago and La Vida Eyewear, and cofounder of Latinos en Optometry:
“When I think about the last 40 years, what really stands out to me is how much our patient population has grown and diversified. It's been such a shift. Cultural competence is no longer optional; it's essential to the care we provide. Understanding language, culture, health beliefs, and how people communicate about their health all helps our patients feel seen, understood, and cared for.
“I'm especially proud of how the American Optometric Association (AOA) and affinity groups like Latinos en Optometry, the National Optometric Association, the Asian American Optometric Society, LGBTQ+ groups like Pride OD, and Black Eyecare Perspective, among others, have built community, created mentorship opportunities, and helped us better serve our increasingly diverse patient population. Organizations like these also help provide culturally relevant resources and education for both eye doctors and the patients we serve, including information in different languages.
“The evolution of eyewear over the past 40 years has been incredible to witness. Decades ago, frame designs and sizing were much more limited to a narrower range of facial features and patient needs. Today, we have collections that embrace different face shapes and sizes—from petite to extra-large—along with an incredible variety of colors and styles. Frame materials have evolved tremendously as well. They’re lighter, more durable, more comfortable, and more expressive.
“And now, eyewear is becoming smart! The emergence of smart glasses from companies like Meta and others is bringing together eyewear, technology, communication, and even artificial intelligence in ways we could hardly have imagined 40 years ago. Glasses are no longer just something we wear to see better or express our personal style; they are becoming wearable technology that can help us interact with the world around us. It's exciting to see eyewear fit more people, reflect more personalities, and do more than ever before.
“Another huge shift is how informed our patients are today. Forty years ago, patients depended much more heavily on their eye doctors for information about their vision and eye health. Today, they're Googling symptoms, asking AI, reading reviews, and coming into our offices with great questions. There is so much eye health information at their fingertips! “That's empowering, but it also means our role has evolved. We spend more time guiding, contextualizing, educating, and helping patients distinguish reliable information from misinformation so they can make informed decisions about their eye health and vision care.
“So yes, the technology, eyewear, and products have advanced tremendously over the last 40 years, but to me, the heart of our progress is also about better communication, deeper trust, cultural competence, and providing care that feels personal and inclusive.
“Happy 40th, Eyecare Business! Here's to seeing what the next 40 years bring!”